Divorce à l'italienne

In a small Sicilian town, Ferdinand Cefalù, a dissolute nobleman, is desperate to divorce his shrewish wife, Carmela, to marry his beautiful young cousin, Angela. However, divorce is illegal and punishable by a long prison sentence. Ferdinand concocts an elaborate, morally reprehensible plan to drive Carmela to commit adultery so that he can charge her with a crime of passion and receive a lighter sentence for murder.

Divorce Italian Style was a critical and commercial success, lauded for its sharp satire and Mastroianni's performance. It was praised for its biting commentary on Italian society and legal system, becoming one of the most influential comedies of its era.

• Praised for its audacious and hilarious satire on Sicilian honor codes and the hypocrisy surrounding marriage and divorce.

• Marcello Mastroianni's performance as the anti-hero Fefè is universally acclaimed for its charm and comedic timing.

• Recognized for its groundbreaking approach to dark comedy and its critical examination of societal norms.

Google audience: Google users have widely praised the film for its sharp wit, Mastroianni's unforgettable performance, and its enduring satirical relevance to social conventions and legal absurdities. The dark humor and clever plot are frequently highlighted as major strengths.

Won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay (Ennio De Concini, Alfredo Giannetti, Pietro Germi). Nominated for Academy Awards for Best Director (Pietro Germi) and Best Actor (Marcello Mastroianni). Won the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (Marcello Mastroianni).

The film's original Italian title, 'Divorzio all'italiana,' translates to 'Divorce the Italian Way,' highlighting its satirical take on Italian marital laws and customs at the time, which did not permit divorce.